Israeli Hostages Release Begins: First 7 Return Home as Red Cross Confirms Handover

Israeli Hostages Release Begins in Gaza: First 7 Handed Over to Red Cross

Israel is seeing a breakthrough as the first group of hostages held in Gaza by Hamas are now being released, marking a critical step in the ongoing ceasefire. On Monday morning, official reports confirmed that seven Israeli hostages were handed to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in northern Gaza, though the Israeli military and ICRC have not yet made a formal public statement.​

Hostages Handover Update: Red Cross Oversight

According to BBC, seven hostages—Gali Berman, Ziv Berman, Matan Angrest, Alon Ehal, Omri Miran, Eitan Mor, and Guy Gilboa-Dallal—are part of a planned phased release under the Israel-Hamas truce. Red Cross teams in Gaza oversaw the transfer, and more releases are expected throughout the day, as hostages are moved from Gaza City and Khan Younis into Israel.​
This humanitarian operation is being watched around the world, and reactions are pouring in on social media, with hopes rising for families who have waited two years for their loved ones to come home.​

Who Are the Israeli Hostages Being Released?

Hamas published the names of the 20 hostages to be freed in this first stage. They include civilians and soldiers, many of whom were taken from events like the Nova music festival or local communities along the Gaza border.

Full list of names released by Hamas:
Bar Kupershtein, Evyatar David, Yosef-Chaim Ohana, Segev Kalfon, Avinatan Or, Elkana Bohbot, Maxim Herkin, Nimrod Cohen, Matan Zangauker, David Cunio, Eitan Horn, Matan Angrest, Eitan Mor, Gali Berman, Ziv Berman, Omri Miran, Alon Ohel, Guy Gilboa-Dalal, Rom Braslabski, Ariel Konio.​

Watch Live Israeli Hostages Release News

Ceasefire and What Happens Next

This exchange comes as part of a new ceasefire agreement, involving a swap: Israeli hostages are being freed in exchange for the staged release of Palestinian prisoners held in Israel. The process is tightly coordinated between Israel, Hamas, ICRC, and supportive international actors.​ Families have gathered near military bases to welcome the released, while security and aid convoys are already moving into position at the Gaza border. The Israeli military's “Operation Returning Home” is in full swing, aiming to return all captives safely.​

United States President Donald Trump arrives in Israel today to discuss long-term peace and will speak at the Knesset before joining a summit in Egypt with international leaders focused on Gaza’s future.​

ALSO READ: 

• Trump Lands in Israel as Hostages Released: Key Updates, Peace Talks
• Trump Warns Russia: Tomahawk Missiles for Ukraine if War Continues